SHAMBHALA SUN SEPTEMBER 2012
14
He’s your guru—you put a little something in his bowl.
community at all levels—working together with the common good
as a primary goal. No one makes it entirely on their own—no one.
I do know conservatives who embrace Buddhist principles,
but my consistent observation is that they shift their political
outlook toward the center in the process. Is this because “real-
ity has a well-known liberal bias”? I believe Ms. Evans has much
joy to look forward to as she begins to see herself in everyone
she encounters, inspiring the compassionate generosity that is
the cornerstone of all lasting spiritual orientations, regardless of
political leaning.
Malcolm Clark
Occidental, California
THE REAL SNAKE STORY
While I enjoyed the article “Snakes on the Brain” (January 2012),
it has a rather glaring absence. As The Serpent and the Goddess
by Mary Condren points out, the serpent or snake is a goddess
symbol. When you read about a hero killing snakes or dragons,
that tale represents the beginning of patriarchy and the rejection
of female-centered religion. I have no doubt that this is the ori-
gin of the snake getting a bad rap in the Old Testament and the
consequent hostility toward snakes that most Westerners have.
I happen to really like snakes and purchased a Naga statue in
Kathmandu.
Susan E. Wigget
Portland, Oregon
FROM CELL TO FOREST
In several weeks, I will be released from prison. The Shambhala
Sun has made a genuine, positive difference in my life during
these past years. I want to thank you for each and every quality
issue I have received. I will soon be furthering my meditation
skills as I enter the monastic life as a Thai Forest monk.
James Davie
Harvest, Alabama